The Two New Mexico Tartans - Clarification

[Riverkilt]

There was more to Kathy's email that was just a tad too controversial and naming of names that I didn't feel was appropriate for the forum. Know that there are strong differences of opinion and charges of skullduggery.

It is believed by the fans of NM Land of Enchantment that the Secretary of State proclamation declaring the Stevenson NM tartan official is a blantant forgery - and even if it were authentic - only the governor of New Mexico can proclaim a tartan the official state tartan.

Bottom line, it appears to be the St. Andrew Scottish Society of New Mexico vs. Mr. Stevenson.

[Rob Wright]

As one who has dealt with various members of New Mexico's political class* over the years, let me say that proclamations have zero legal standing. So as it stands, New Mexico at this time has no official tartan. To be declared official, a tartan would need ot pass both the House and Senate and then be signed by the governor.

Even more so than some states, New Mexico operates under a convoluted good old boy network between members of both parties and further divisions between the northern and southern portions of the state. Many of the political divisions have there founding from before the time New Mexico became a US territory, going back to the 1600's.

Zardoz, you ever get out to the Inn again, give me a holler.

Rob

* When former Senator Pete Domenici had his first annual policy shindig at New Mexico State University, I was going through Corbett Center and ran into a few folks I've known, including former Governor Bruce King, my Senator in Santa Fe, who was Superintendent of the school district I graduated from and signed my High School diploma, and various staffers from Bingaman's, and at the time, Congressman Steve Pearce's offices.

[macwilkin]

There was more to Kathy's email that was just a tad too controversial and naming of names that I didn't feel was appropriate for the forum. Know that there are strong differences of opinion and charges of skullduggery.

It is believed by the fans of NM Land of Enchantment that the Secretary of State proclamation declaring the Stevenson NM tartan official is a blantant forgery - and even if it were authentic - only the governor of New Mexico can proclaim a tartan the official state tartan.

Bottom line, it appears to be the St. Andrew Scottish Society of New Mexico vs. Mr. Stevenson.

Ron,

It has always been my understanding that it takes a resolution through the legislature to designate an official state symbol -- is there something in NM constitutionally that allows the governor this broad power?

All of the state tartans I am familiar with were adopted in the legislative branch of state government.

T.